The Sacred Fragments is a growing body of work that explores self-actualization, forgiveness, and healing. These sacred spaces facilitate the individual healing process through anonymous community engagement. The work bridges the divide from viewer to participant through welcoming architecture, self-expression, and action.

There are many ways to grieve, release fear, and move beyond what is holding us back. These sacred Fragments have utilized technology, sound, and direct action. These temples hold space for transformation in anyone; all are welcome to participate. These works serve community and become property of the public once opened.

Remains (2015)

So this project, there was no blueprint or plan. It was constructed on-site with scrap wood from every project completed while Michael was at George Mason University. They created a sacred space for all to utilize and participate in.

Michael and two volunteers completed the structure in 8 hours with only 2 drills and one circular saw.

Fear Itself (2013)

Participants invited to write their fears on this ash-paper in the academic setting. Transformed a classroom into a viewing room where 6 burn videos played over the course of 30 minutes.

Afterward each participant given a piece of the paper and rest was bound up and burned on school ground. A special pyrotechnic fusing was used to signal that we could approach. Everyone was then invited to throw in their piece of paper.

Transformed classroom with ash-paper on the table and video playing on the projector

Students and faculty gathered around the burning object

Embers of the fire

Pagoda of Sacred Fragments (2013)

wood, fragments of other sacred spaces, paint, hammer, nails

10' x 26' x 9'

This was built with the desire to put hammers and nails into the hands of participants. This would empower them as creative and able to build. The scrap pieces collected from 5 other temple projects were their brush and the pagoda their canvas.

The installation lay as a ruin. People building it up and adding to it over the event. Every fragment was used by the participants.

(Burn Video) Pagoda of Sacred Fragments

Photo by Gordon McCracken

Temple of Harmony (2013)

This project was built to be burned from its onset. I wanted to use and explore the language of music to engage in the dialogue of healing and forgiveness. After taking it to a Figment DC event, I realized how much joy these brought to children and adults while playing together.

As we were preparing this sculpture for the burn at an event in North Carolina, a young woman attached photos of her recently passed away father and wrote him a note on the Temple of Harmony. She stood there crying in the pouring rain, held by her friend and, together, sheltered by a single umbrella. When this work was destroyed, she was able to let go of grief and sorrow and begin healing.

Temple of the Elements (2013)

The Temple of the Elements is centered around the classical elements of earth, air, , fire, and water, but including the void.

Each spike represented one element and had a way to interact with it.

Deconstruction team carrying the project to the burn field

2 Sketches

I was asked to submit two sketches and concept for 2 different budgets. The larger strucutre was chosen.

Vortex (2013)

This was both an abstract concept and a sacred space. Its walls shaped in the golden ratio commonly found in nature. The Fibonacci sequence was used to closely mimic the the ratio.

The experience of walking suspended disbelief that it wouldn't end and just keep spiraling. The colors used represented diversity and honored different walks of life. It was written on by participants and burned in memorial.

"Our moment in time, Unique edges flowing whole, To Infinity" -mav

(Burn Video) Temple Vortex

Concept Sketch

Sanctuary of the Heart (2012)

Wood, bristol board, calligraphic brush pens, recycled silk strands

16' x 16' x 16'

Love can be as painful as it is beautiful. Despite the pain, we love on.

Two sides to our heart are exposed: One side with passion and love, the other heart-break and loss.

Participants were invited to write on pre-cut hearts on a thick paper stock with brush-like markers. Then they hung them from the ceiling.

Stories of healing and forgiveness hung from these silk strands until it was burnt down.

Burning down

Passion and Love side

Heart-break and Loss side

Original sketch

The Hidden Temple (2011)

22' x 30' x 18'

My first project made from wood. A three story building that took a community to build and burn.

There were 5 rooms with 4 in 1st floor. 2 rooms filled with rugs, pillows, and cushions. The structure was used as Temple for Saturday services. It was at its best when filled with people.

At 18' tall, 22' wide, and 30' deep, The Hidden Temple would completely disappear as you approached it from 17' away. The Temple would then appear monumental as you went through the "treeline."

I raised 1200 dollars online though Kickstarter. I created stickers, necklaces, and cards as rewards.